The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday, February 20, 2026, a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement across the territory ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. The measures, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aim to facilitate voter participation and ensure a secure electoral environment for the six local councils.
In a national broadcast on Thursday, Minister Wike stated the curfew will be in effect from 8:00 p.m. on Friday until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday. He directed all security agencies to enforce compliance strictly. The work-free day, he explained, is intended to enable residents to travel to their polling units without employment-related obstacles.
The minister urged FCT residents to participate in the elections in large numbers, describing the vote as a crucial opportunity to shape the territory’s future. He called for orderly and lawful conduct, asking voters to respect one another and the eventual outcome. “We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum,” he said.
Minister Wike also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for assenting to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, characterizing it as a significant step toward strengthening democratic institutions and promoting free, fair, and transparent elections. He noted that democracy requires continuous improvement through periodic reviews of electoral laws.
The elections will determine new or returning chairmen and councillors for the FCT’s six area councils, which are responsible for local administration and primary service delivery in Nigeria’s capital territory. This vote represents the first Area Council poll to be held under the revised national electoral framework.
The administration’s stated goal is the emergence of leaders committed to development, peace, and prosperity in the FCT. Minister Wike concluded by encouraging all eligible voters to make their voices heard on election day, framing participation as a collective responsibility for building a better future for the territory and its children.
